Brief Introduction: Dunhuang was originally set as a prefecture around 111B.C. in the west Han dynasty.'Dun' means grandness,'Huang' means prosperity.In ancient times, Dunhuang used to be the center of trade between China and the western regionss. At that time, it could be the westmost military garrison in Han dynasty(205B.C.-220A.D.). With the flourishing of business along the Silk Road, Dunhuang was prompted to be the most open area in international trade in Chinese history. It played an important role of providing the only access westward for the Chinese Empire and eastward for western nationalities.

Over 700 years ago, as the Italian traveler, Marco PoLo,  visited Dunhuang, a city surrounded by spendid Buddhism caves, he was really shocked by the fusion of thriving international trade and vibrant culture. In his well-known book "The Travels of Marco Polo," the Venetian adventurer detailed the city as a global economic and cultural hub, for it created an unprecedented connection between the East and the West.

Dunhuang can be the important city where the four famous civilizations in the world (ancient China,Greece,India and Islam)converged.Centuries later, following the reinvigoration of the ancient Silk Road into the new Belt and Road Initiative, Dunhuang has once again caught the world's attention.

Nowadays Dunhuang is a famous tourism city along the silk road.It covers an area of 31,200 square km. The population of dunhuang now is 200,000.

Altitude: 1108m in average

Climate & Weather: Dunhuang, being surrounded by high mountains, has anarid, continental climate. The annual average temperature is 9.48°C (49.1 °F), but the monthly daily mean temperature rangesfrom 24.6 °C (76.3 °F) in July down to -8.3°C (17.1 °F) in January. The city is extremely hot in summer andcold in winter, and usually has sharp temperature differences between day andnight. Precipitation occurs only in trace amounts and quickly evaporates.

Annual Temperature of the Year/℃ ( Low-High)

Month

Jan.

Feb.

Mar.

Apr.

May

Jun.

Jul.

Aug.

Sep.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

Temperature(°C)

-22/-12

-21/-10

-17/-4

1/15

7/19

12/25

16/28

15/27

5/23

-1/12

-10/-2

-22/-11

 

Transportation: As the tourism of dunhuang is developing very radpidly , the transportation system is getting more cnvenient and advanced though it is a small city. Three easy ways to Dunhuang are provided, which are Flights, Trains, and Cars. Read more .....

Things to Do:

Nightlife, with obvious  local characteristicsis colorful in Dunhuang  City. Compared with before, many sparkling bars, discos or clubs are opened. One of main attractions is the Shazhou nightmarket, which is bustling, vibrant and can not be missed in Dunhuang . Let us introduce some shining examples here.

Camel ride will be An interesting experience in the Echoing sand dune and Crescent lake,which takes around 40-50 minutes. It costs 100yuan RMB for riding once.

At night ,besides go to the night market, the traditional and particular living desert show can be another choice, which is named Dunhuang Celeration and showed outdoors. It takes 70 minutes and costs from 238yuan-588yuan per person according to the seats.

Local Food:

Because dunhuang is located in Western China and bordering XinjiangProvince, its cuisine is greatly influenced by the nomads, Grilled Mutton being the most popular dish in both restaurants and hotels in this vibrant city. Shazhou nightmarket will be a good place to try all local flavors.

Developed and improved by Zhao Chang'an (master chef and restaurateur),Dunhuang Dishes are recognized as one of the New Eight Cuisinesof China. Firstly, we will introduce some traditional dishes. Read more......

Shoppings:

Night market might be a good place to do some shoppings for good dried fruits and nuts (walnuts, dates, raisins, apricots, small tomatoes and some other souvenirs). Read more ......

Attractions: Mogao grottoes , Echoing Sand dune and Crescent Lake , Yulin Grottoes , Yangguan Pass , Yumen Pass(Jade gate pass) , Yadan National Geological Park, White Horse Pagoda , Dunhuang Museum , Suoyang Ruins

Related Tours:

7 Days Terrific Silk Road Tour ;               8 Days  Charming Silk Road Tour ;    

 9 Days Hexi Corridor Tour ;                  12 Days Silk Road Adventure Tour ;    

 8 Days Silk Road Bullet Train Tour ;       10 Days Essence Tour of the Silk Road ;

11 Days Classic Silk Road Tour ;            15 Days  Silk Road Chanllenging Tour ;     

7 Days Zhangye to Dunhuang Tour ;     8 Days Silk Road Muslim Tour ;    

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